Burnet Hill Elementary School

Northlandz totes itself as a railway museum, but it's a bit more like visiting a great aunt's attic, filled with old dolls and toys surround the most extensive model railroad system in the world. 8-miles of tracks led my family and I through a 90-minute exploration of this fascinating place.

Tips? Bring your jackets inside -- it was coooold inside during our December visit. A great rainy day activity. Visit the Greek restaurant (Village Gyro) down the street for the best foods after your visit! 

Duke Farms serves as a model of environmental stewardship and inspires visitors to become informed stewards of the land. It is a place of education, enjoyment and research that enhances the environmental health of the region. A great place to explore with your family!

Great for biking, walking, or scooters. 1 1/2-mile paved walk with a loop at the end so you can circle back. Benches, views, and always friendly people greeting you with a smile. There is a large, fenced-in dog area that is a prime spot for dog watching. (Or to bring your own dog so he/she can run around and socialize!)

This former CSX rail line was decommissioned and now serves as a raised garden walking path. Perfect for leisurely walks above New York City streets below. Take the stairs down in various places to grab lunch, or visit the neighborhoods of Chelsea.

A great place to visit with the entire family. Plenty of seasonal activities, too.

This area is located West of the Turtleback Zoo, and is easy for our families to get to. The reservoir supplies water to the City of Orange, but is used by visitors for pedal boats. (Seasonally, for a fee.) The reservoir is surrounded by a paved path that circles the reservoir and is used by runners, walkers, and dogs on leashes. No bicycles permitted. (1.8 mile from beginning to end) A large "nautical theme" playground is located on the Cherry Lane side. For food, McLoone's restaurant is located on the Northern tip of the reservoir, but prices, food, and service are subpar. (McDonald's, Manhattan Bagel, and Dunkin' Donuts are located across the street, but health, habits, and the environment are something to consider with those choices!) Within walking distance, food can be found at Patsy's, St. Cloud Deli (closed on Sundays), and an inexpensive Chinese restaurant. Your best bet is bring your own food, and picnic near the swan pedal boats at the many tables and pavilion. Turtleback Zoo also allows food to be brought in. (They sell sub-standard, amusement park food at prices that make the animals shudder...!) 

Garden State Discovery Museum

2040 Springdale Rd.

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

856/424-1233